PESHAWAR, Aug 23: NWFP Health Minister Inayatullah Khan has directed all EDOs (Health) to work out a comprehensive plan for promoting iodine consumption and prevent diseases caused by its deficiency.

He was addressing the launching ceremony of a social mobilisation project on universal salt iodisation in the province here on Wednesday.

The ceremony was attended by senior health department officials, EDOs of various districts, representatives of donor agencies and salt producers.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Director-General Health Dr Jalilur Rehman, Dr Mohammad Rafiq, Dr Mohammad Zaheen and president of the NWFP Salt Producers’ Association Taj Mohammad.

Health department was launching the mobilisation project aimed at promoting universal salt iodisation with the assistance of Unicef.

The health minister praised efforts of the health officials for adopting effective strategy for creating awareness about the use of iodine and making Swat as a model iodine district in South Asia.

Acknowledging the contribution of health officials in Swat district the minister declared that they are the precious asset of the health department. He also directed EDOs to seek guidance from the role model of Swat and prepare effective plans to sensitise masses about iodine usage.

The minister said that iodine was being used in the developed countries of the world for quite a long time.

“Unfortunately there are some misconceptions about its use in our country,” he said.

He said that the provincial government had taken lead regarding iodine by allocating funds for this purpose in the past Annual Development Programme (ADP).

Calling for continuing efforts to refresh people’s minds about its merits, the minister directed authorities concerned to employ the services of the opinion leaders in this regard.

He also asked the health authorities and salt processors to fulfil the requirements of the people about iodised salt.

Mr Khan also directed for evolving a sustainable system for collecting data about diseases in various parts of the province to make inform decisions on its basis.

Dr Mohammad Rafiq said that iodine deficiency caused mental retardation, hampered body growth, lessened energy and weakened the body’s defence mechanism.

He said that iodine deficiency also caused miscarriages and still births.

He said that about 70 per cent of the country’s population was iodine deficient.

Highlighting achievements iodine project in Swat district, he said that an effective campaign had been launched for mobilising society about iodine with the close collaboration of religious leaders, scouts, educational institutions and salt processors.